Buddhist ritual conch shell with a dancing Hevajra : en salle — Minneapolis Institute of Art

This bronze takes the form of a conch shell, a vessel used in both Buddhist and Hindu rituals. Blown at the beginning of ceremonies, the instrument makes the sound of the sacred syllable “Om, ” believed to purify the mind before meditation. Buddhism and Hinduism were often practiced side by side in the kingdoms of Southeast Asia; however, Hinduism was the official religion of Khmer kings until the conversion to Buddhism of Jayavarman VII (reign c. 1181–1218), after which Buddhist art flourished. The embellished bronze features a dancing, multiheaded Hevajra, a key deity in Vajrayana Buddhism, a sect that emphasizes ritual as a means to enlightenment.

Buddhist ritual conch shell with a dancing Hevajra

À propos de la sculpture

Notice

Dans la même salle · G213, Minneapolis Institute of Art

Oui, elle reçoit

Au catalogue

Sources

Enshrined Buddha, c. 1850

Dvarapala (Door Guardian), c. 14th–15th century

Prajnaparamita, late 12th–early 13th century

Naga-enthroned Buddha, 12th-13th century

Walking Shakyamuni Buddha, 15th century

Buddha Head, 8th century

Head from an image of Vishnu or a deified king, early 9th century

Buddha subduing Mara, 15th century